Many people use their garages for storage, tool sheds, and even as a workshop. With the use of this space increasing, it’s becoming more vital than ever to have better lighting in your garage. Here are some tips on how to keep your garage illuminated for all your needs.

General Illumination  

When establishing your garage lighting, the first thing you want to do is consider your general illumination. A common issue with garage lighting is that most garages suffer from “cave-lighting” effects, meaning that many garages are incredibly dim and often only have a couple of ceiling lights in corners which create shadows and uneven lighting. One way to avoid this problem is to use fluorescent light fixtures. Depending on your garage and what you use it for, you may want to look at fixtures that require 2-6 lamps.

For example, consider trying a T5 fluorescent fixture, which is cost-effective, long-lasting and reliable. These fixtures are meant to distribute an even amount of high intensity light, and they are primarily instant start-up, so you won’t have to wait around for them to turn off and on. These fixtures should be placed in the center of the ceiling to give the garage overall better lighting. When purchasing your fluorescent lights, please note that ballasts are also required.

Entryway Lights

Next, you will want to focus on lights in the entryway of your garage. Let’s face it, fumbling around for keys and trying to grab grocery bags is no fun, especially when it’s dark. To reduce all that unfortunate fumbling, consider installing motion sensor lights in the entryway.  For example, occupancy sensors turn lights on and off when a person is entering and exiting a room.

Storage

That 1995 Halloween costume you took a photo with Brad Pitt in has to go somewhere (you’re clearly not throwing it out at this point). If you’re like me, it will probably end up in a plastic container collecting dust on one of the shelves in your garage.  When you decide to rummage through a few of those unforgettable storage items, you’re definitely going to need some light to see what stays and what goes. Keep your garage storage shelves illuminated using LED tape lights. Tape lights are great for keeping small, dimmer areas illuminated like shelves and cabinets.  Remember, tape lights are easy to install because of their adhesive back. They give off excellent illumination and can be placed almost anywhere.

As mentioned before, motion sensor lights are great for the entryway of your garage.  However, you may want to consider incorporating battery powered wireless LED ceiling lights to aid in everyday storage lighting. For example they can be especially helpful if you need to run in your garage to grab items like canned goods, bottle water, or kitty litter. These lights can be attached or mounted anywhere, even under shelves, and deliver a brilliant white light using LEDs. The best part is they automatically shut off in just 30 seconds.

Work Spaces

Everyone needs a place to pursue their hobbies. Whether you have a love of crafting wooden dolls or tinkering around with old clocks, the garage can be a great space to work on your favorite tasks. However, while working on your projects, you need to have proper lighting, especially if you are using sharp tools. One way to get more even illumination is by using under cabinet LED strips. These strips, or light bars, can last upwards of 50,000 hours and can easily be mounted underneath cabinets. Unlike hanging lamps that often create shadows, under cabinet LED strips have more precise and direct lighting, allowing for sharper focus in your work space. Another form of lighting that is helpful for your workspace or crafting table is LED strip lights. As stated earlier, these lights are easy to use and can be placed practically anywhere because of their adhesive back.

Like the rest of your home, your garage should be a reflection of you, not a dark, dank place where illumination goes to die. Create a space that both you and your car can appreciate.  Do you have any suggestions on improving the illumination in your garage? Feel free to leave your responses in the comment section below. As always you can drop us a line on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram!